ASUS AC2900 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC86U)
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Best Asus MU-MIMO Wireless Router Reviews

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Introduction

The top ASUS routers can achieve this while offering superior security, robust parental controls, and cutting-edge customization capabilities. Your router is the key to quicker internet connections. However, ASUS is renowned for its gaming routers as well. These models are loaded with attributes that give game data priority and link to servers that improve performance.

Which router is the best for your home depends on a variety of factors? Which router will work best depends on your internet usage habits, home design, and structure. We put a few of the models on our list through testing. Those for large houses, gamers, and a budget model with speeds, security, and parental controls way above its price are among the routers that made it onto our list of the top ASUS routers.

To repair your network’s issues, think about purchasing one of the top Asus routers. They are not only very inexpensive, which is a feature of even this Taiwanese company’s most expensive products, but they are also durable enough to compete head-to-head with the opposition.

The best wireless routers from the manufacturer will provide you with the kind of blisteringly fast speeds and outstanding performance required to keep up, whether you’re playing competitively or trying to download absurdly enormous files. There is a product from Asus that will meet your demands, regardless of whether you need something simple, one made for gamers, or a router that can support a lot of devices.

However, you don’t have to look through their entire selection of routers to locate the best fit for you.
We’ve tested and reviewed a good number of different network products, and we’ve used our experience to compile a list of the top Asus routers currently available.

For a range of network needs, the best Asus MU-MIMO routers on the market are among the best choices. If you’re looking for a new router, take a look at the company’s top-notch selection, which includes some of the most reasonably priced WiFi MU-MIMO routers available.

There are more benefits to the best Asus wireless routers than just their alluring price tags. They provide outstanding performance and, more importantly for players, extremely fast online gaming speeds. No matter what kind of personal or business environment you’re in, Asus has a device that will meet your needs because of its wide selection.

It requires some understanding of how you use the internet as well as the particular difficulties with your home’s design and setup in order to choose the proper router. We selected the routers on our list by taking into account:

Technology:

The newest WiFi standard is WiFi 6, however, many houses lack the equipment needed to utilize its high speeds. Because of this, we searched for models that worked well with WiFi 5’s predecessor as well.

Security and Parental Control:

ASUS provides great parental controls and security features. However, there are some differences between models. We looked for products that prioritized safety and were easy to personalize.

Installation and Setup:

The installation procedure must be simple. Step-by-step instructions, the availability of an app or web console, and the simplicity of controlling the router’s features after configuration were all factors we took into account.

Optimization:

The router is made to function for the activities you engage in the most thanks to QoS and gaming optimization features.

Best Asus MU-MIMO Wireless Routers 0f 2023

ASUS AX6000 (RT-AX88U) MU-MIMO WiFi 6 Gaming Router
  • WiFi 6.
  • AX5400, 2.4GHz AX: 2×2 + 5GHz AX: 4×4.
  • Very Large homes.
  • Gaming features: Gaming port, Mobile game mode, PS5 compatibility.
  • ASUS features AiMesh and AiProtection.
ASUS AC1750 (RT-ACRH18) Asus MU-MIMO WiFi Router
  • Faster WiFi Speed for Smooth Streaming.
  • AC1750 Dual-band connectivity for lag-free entertainment.
  • Multiple Capacity WiFi with Revolutionary MU-MIMO Technology.
  • AiRadar – TX Beamforming Support.
  • Parental Controls – Schedule Block Time.
  • 3-Step Easy Setup Through Your Pad, Smartphone, or PC.
  • ASUSWRT.
ASUS (RT-AX3000) WiFi 6 Router
  • Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router.
  • QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
ASUS AC2900 (RT-AC86U) WiFi Gaming Router
  • AC3100, 2.4GHz AC 4×4 + 5GHz AC: 4×4.
  • Very large homes.
  • Gaming features Mobile game mode.
  • ASUS features AiMesh and AiProtection.
ASUS ZenWiFi AX 6600 Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System (XT8)
  • Wi-Fi Spec: AX6600.
  • A number of Antennas/Removable: 6/No.
  • Ports: 1 WAN (2.5Gbps)/3 LAN (Gbps), USB 3.0.
  • Processor/Memory/Storage: Quad-core 1.5GHz/512MB/256MB.
  • Wi-Fi chip: Broadcom 43684.
ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router
  • Network Effectiveness. Designed for households with many devices. 802.11ax technology, with its innovative combination of OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, enables up to 4X more network capacity and efficiency in traffic-heavy conditions.
  • Power Conservation. Improved Battery Life for Your Devices
  • Increased coverage. WiFi is more powerful.
ASUS AX6000 (RT-AX89X) WiFi 6 Gaming Router
  • Ethernet Standard. 10/100/1000.
  • Number of Antennas.
  • Frequency Band. 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz.
  • Wireless Standard. AX.
  • Compatible Wireless Standard(s) AX.

ASUS AX6000 (RT-AX88U) MU-MIMO WiFi 6 Gaming Router

Right now, the best WiFi 6 router we’ve tested is the Asus RT-AX88U.

It contains numerous intricate features and strong administration tools.

Despite the price increase caused by all of this, it is still the best MU-MIMO router currently on the market.

One of the first WiFi 6 routers to appear in our tests in April 2019 was the Asus RT-AX88U, and it continues to rank among the best models we’ve tried so far.

During our tests, this expensive router with 802.11ax circuitry provided fast 160MHz throughput and quick file-transfer speeds, and its standard 802.11ac performance was also excellent.

If your budget allows it, the RT-AX88U is the ideal option if you want to future-proof your wireless network and are currently ready for WiFi 6.

Pros

  • Speedy performance
  • Easy installation
  • Uses the latest 802.11ax technology
  • Eight LAN ports
  • Robust QoS settings
  • Built-in malware protection

Cons

  • Expensive
  • AX clients are not yet ubiquitous

ASUS AC1750 (RT-ACRH18) Asus MU-MIMO WiFi Router

The RT-AC65 has better WiFi rates than N technology thanks to the 802.11ac chipset’s 5G WiFi and 256QAM technology.

It can go as fast as 450 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 1300 Mbps at 5 GHz.

The increased capacity of the improved bandwidth will improve your home WiFi experience.

It’s time to upgrade to the next generation to increase your connectivity both now and in the future since smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, and notebooks are all Wi-Fi compatible.

AC1750 by ASUS (RT-ACRH18)
Concurrent dual-band AC1750-level WiFi provides slick streaming for the home network at a fast WiFi speed.

The ground-breaking technique links numerous MU-MIMO-compatible clients at each device’s maximum speed at the same time.

Improved Coverage with AiRadar Beamforming – To guarantee a steady connection, the WiFi signal is directed at connected devices.

Protect kids from internet addiction with parental control.

The ASUS Router App makes network setup and management simple.

Pros

  • Consistent data processing and network movement
  • It takes approximately HALF the space of typical standard routers, plus there are no more falling antennae!!
  • Great Aesthetics
  • Awesome ASUS GUI

Cons

  • If you relocate the router, the power dongle will be at a 90-degree angle and will cut off the power.
  • Currently, ASUS AI Mesh networking is not supported.
  • There is no documentation provided in the box, only a fast setup guide.

ASUS (RT-AX3000) WiFi 6 Router

The ASUS RT-AX58U (RT-AX3000) is in the middle of ASUS’s “budget” WiFi 6 MU-MIMO router series, immediately following the “flagship” RT-AX88U, but better equipped than the marginally less potent RT-AX56U. Given that it is typically priced close to the RT-AC86U, I believe it is a good way to ease your way into this new WiFi standard.

If you continue to use devices that don’t support WiFi 6, you won’t notice much of a difference, but that will change in the future (it depends on how often you change your phone, your laptop, and other WiFi-capable devices).

Before moving forward, let’s clarify if the ASUS RT-AX58U is still in the “draught” stage and hence lacks some of the major features that have been touted.

The RT-AX58U is not WiFi 6 certified, but this certification is granular; as a result, the majority of capabilities, corresponding to WAVE 1 and 2 of the 802.11ac standard, are implemented; further capabilities will be added later (and in better forms).

Pros

  • Excellent WiFi 6 performance
  • A ton of useful features with excellent AiMesh support
  • Full web interface and well-design mobile app
  • Simple set-up

Cons

  • Non-removable antennas
  • No multi-gig port or Link Aggregation
  • Dual-band only

ASUS AC2900 (RT-AC86U) WiFi Gaming Router

If you’re looking for an inexpensive router with lots of capabilities, the Asus RT-AC86U is a fantastic choice.

Everyone can benefit from the high-end dual-band AC2900 router’s features, which include gaming, security, and quick speeds.

And you don’t have to spend a lot of money—you can get everything you need for just $200 (or, in the UK, $200, which is equivalent to £350).

I tested the app and observed maximum transmission rates of 5GHz. I was pleasantly surprised by the software.

One of Asus routers’ best features is their extremely customizable menu.
With the Asus RT-AC86U, this is also accurate.

This router won’t let you down if you need a simple-to-use router with reliable WiFi coverage in a big residence.

Nearly all aspects are adjustable, particularly the astounding 5GHz speeds.

Additionally, it boasts security measures for the home, gaming-specific functions, and USB 3.1 Gen 1 for quick network storage and printing.

One of the top all-around routers under $200 is the Asus RT-AC86U.

Along with improved security for all of your devices, it has all the most modern features.
This router should assist you in making the most of your bandwidth while maintaining a stable home network.

Pros

  • Four-stream 5 GHz radio
  • AiMesh compatible
  • The full complement of ASUSWRT features
  • Strong wired routing performance
  • WTFast and Adaptive QoS for better online-gaming

Cons

  • Auto 20/40 in 2.4 GHz could cause connection drops
  • No mounting options
  • Complex firmware

ASUS ZenWiFi AX 6600 Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System (XT8)

The ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 may appear uncomplicated on the outside, but each tower is stuffed with WiFi 6 technology that offers the fastest speeds and greatest range.

In an area of 3,500 square feet, we evaluated the XT8.
The XT8 worked flawlessly.
Speeds for throughput, uplink, and downlink matched those of the internet package that was readily accessible.

Although we wouldn’t call it intuitive, the setup is simple.

We recently tested Netgear routers with the Orbi app, which we found to be more user-friendly for setup and control.

The XT8 was simple, though, and the complementary app allowed us to view current speeds.

Additionally, the app displayed which devices were linked to which band.

The game boost feature on the XT8 maintained speeds even when multiple users streamed simultaneously.

The software also allows you to give particular devices priority.

You may, for instance, give laptops and other work-related gadgets priority.

Once work is done, you can give streaming and gaming consoles priority.

The coverage and range were also fantastic.
Every home area was covered, and according to ASUS, the router and satellite can cover up to 5,000 square feet.

Unlike the ASUS Blue Cave, which stands out as a decorative element, the subtle design fits nicely with home décor.

We particularly valued the ports on the satellite and router, which offered several locations for a wired connection.

The cost must be the only drawback.
It costs a lot, and while setup is simple, it is not intuitive.

Pros

  • Fast, consistent speed
  • Easy (though not intuitive) setup
  • Good range and coverage
  • Strong security and parental controls

Cons

  • Expensive

ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router

Although the AX1800 barely qualifies as inexpensive, it is a router that provides access to the faster 802.11ax protocol.

In a 2,300-square-foot house that had some structural issues, we tested the AX1800.

On the 2.4GHz band, it was able to deliver exceptional short-range speeds, while on the 5GHz band, it could deliver good but not spectacular speeds.

The ability to tailor performance for gaming, streaming, or home office work through the ASUS dashboard was something we really loved (considering the price).

We made the devices faster and avoided lag and the dreaded “loading” circle of death by optimizing for streaming.

Once we shifted to the 5GHz frequency and moved farther away, we saw that speeds started to slow down.

However, the test house includes additional insulation and a firewall, which has been difficult for other routers as well.

Pros

  • Easy setup
  • Strong security and parental controls
  • Optimize for gaming, streaming, and other uses
  • Optional voice control

Cons

  • 5GHz speeds are less impressive

ASUS AX6000 (RT-AX89X) WiFi 6 Gaming Router

With a nearly full portfolio now available on the market, ASUS has been one of the most aggressive manufacturers in the past year when it comes to offering WiFi 6 options.

The RT-AX89X, their most recent model, aims to outperform all competitors with a feature-rich platform and, once more, a cinematic design.

The AX89X has been my home router for the past month, so it’s not surprising that it has worked well.

The entire construction is of the highest caliber, even the plastic, which has a finer gloss than most.
Although the 89X’s futuristic appearance requires some getting used to, it is a useful feature of the router because it isolates the wired ports on the PCB.

Performance in 2.4GHz testing was typical for the 89X and comparable to other AX6000 class devices we’ve recently reviewed.

The speed for the 2.4GHz frequency was just under 240 Mbps.

At 5GHz, the 89X achieved 839 Mbps at 80MHz and 1400 Mbps at 160MHz, demonstrating a significant boost in performance.

Remember that these are actual numbers; in this case, connection speeds are far higher, reaching up to 2400 Mbps.

But by far, the quickest router we tested is the ASUS RT-AX89X.

Finally, ASUS has priced this system inexpensively, with two 10Gbe connections, eight streams of WiFi, and eight-gigabit ports for less than $500.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Asus MU-MIMO Wireless Routers

Range

For each router, ASUS may (or may not) give an anticipated range, however, the range is influenced by a variety of external factors. For instance, the range may be improved or decreased depending on where the router is in the house. Even though central sites are ideal, they are not always feasible, particularly in multi-story homes.

The range can be further decreased by signal interference caused by building materials like brick and concrete. Reduced range may be experienced in a home with numerous connected devices.

However, you should still begin your search for a router by finding one that will cover a little bit more area than you actually need to be covered. Look for a router covering about 2,500 square feet if your house is 2,000 square feet. If your property has a complicated plan or is huge, you might also need to think about installing a mesh system.


ASUS offers a number of mesh networks that increase the internet signal’s range.
They also offer a number of independent ASUS routers featuring the ASUS AiMesh system, which enables them to connect to other freestanding ASUS routers to build a unique mesh network.

Internet Protocol

The speed and functions that the router may provide are determined by the internet protocol. 802.11ac and 802.11ax are the two most popular. Most users of the 802.11ac standard are able to acquire all the speed they require. The common 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, which are utilized by the majority of modern devices, are housed within this internet protocol. While the 5GHz frequency gives faster speeds at a distance, the 2.4GHz band has more incredible speed and connections in close proximity.

Advanced capabilities of 802.11ac routers could be beamforming, which focuses the signal at a particular spot, or link aggregation, which combines Ethernet connections into one link to boost the signal.
To boost the router’s link capacity, these routers could additionally use Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technologies.


Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) downlink streaming is a feature of more modern models that enables simultaneous link establishment for several users rather than sequential connection.

The WiFi 6 standard, often known as the 802.11ax protocol, has enhanced channel-sharing capabilities that increase efficiency. By breaking up channels into smaller ones, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), for instance, increases throughput.

As a result, it can handle more connected devices at faster speeds, especially when it comes to up- and down-linking, gaming, and simultaneous multi-user streaming. The technology is also intended to lower the router’s and the connected devices’ overall power consumption.

Some 802.11ax routers are equipped with 6E technology, which makes the 6GHz spectrum accessible along with the 2.4 and 5GHz bands. Comparing this new band to the previous two is like driving on an open road. Speeds are high and disruptions are few because it is less busy. To access the 6GHz band, however, you also need to have equipment that uses 6E technology. You need a 6E router if you have one. If you purchase a 6E router without them, you will be paying for both technology and an unused 6GHz band.

Internet Package

The best routers are compatible with the speed of your internet plan. A router with a 1,000 Mbps bandwidth capacity is not necessary for a 300 Mbps internet plan. Once more, the key is to purchase a router with technology and speeds that work for you. You need a router with one or more gigabit ports if you have a gigabit internet subscription in order to manage the speeds you are paying for.


To make sure you choose a router that meets the technology and speeds available to you, you may sort routers by internet speeds, ports, and technology on the ASUS website.

Security and Parental Controls

Many of the routers from ASUS come with some really incredible security and parental control capabilities. AiProtection (the ASUS security package) is a lifetime benefit with some models. Numerous routers also come with powerful parental controls that let parents manage access to websites and apps as well as monitor the devices that are connected to the router.

FAQs

Do Asus routers need a modem?

Every router requires a modem. Unless it’s a modem/router combination, of course. The router links your devices to that signal, while the modem connects the digital signal from the internet service provider (ISP) to the home.

How long do ASUS routers last?

The typical lifespan of an ASUS router is three to five years, which is typical for routers from most manufacturers.

Who makes ASUS routers?

All ASUS routers are produced by ASUS, also known as ASUSTek Computer Incorporated.

How often should you upgrade your router?

At the absolute least, every five years, your router needs to be upgraded. In order to stay current with technology, you might need to refresh your home’s smart gadgets and devices every two to three years.

Is an ASUS router better than Netgear?

Some ASUS routers are superior to Netgear routers, and the opposite is also true. It all relies on the router type you choose and the tasks you want it to perform. While Netgear makes some of the greatest mesh WiFi systems available, ASUS is well-recognized for its gaming routers. To every generality, there are, however, exceptions. The secret is to choose a router that works for your online habits and can manage the speeds offered by your internet service.

Are ASUS routers good quality?

The quality of ASUS routers is superb. From gaming routers to affordable devices, many of their products are included in “best of” lists.

How much is an ASUS router?

The cost of an ASUS router can range from about $100 to more than $400 depending on the model.
The fastest quad-core CPUs, link aggregation for NAS storage, gigabit WAN ports, and access to powerful security and parental controls are features found in some of their priciest routers.

Final Thoughts

The ASUS AX6000 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AX88U) stands out because of its speed, security, parental controls, and simple setup. You may also customize it for how you use the internet the most using the QoS options. The ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router is at the bottom end of the price range. Even while the range isn’t as good as more expensive routers, it still offers quick speeds with WiFi 6 technology, great security, and parental control.

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